Pharmacy
Pharmacy

Hip Dysplasia

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

Hip dysplasia, one of the most common orthopedic conditions in dogs, refers to the abnormal formation of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip. When these bones fit together more loosely than they should, the joint has more movement than normal. This looseness (called joint laxity) can lead to instability, osteoarthritis (OA), pain and lameness.

Hip dysplasia can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, diet and environmental factors, particularly in puppies whose rapid growth can lead to joint instability.

How hip dysplasia is treated

Treating hip dysplasia depends on the individual patient. Generally, treatment is divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options. Conservative options focus on lifelong management strategies to improve hip extension, maintain muscle mass, and reduce pain. Weight control through a daily exercise plan and diet is essential. In addition, we may prescribe a program of physical rehabilitation. When surgery is indicated, the specific procedure we recommend generally relates to your dog’s age as well as their clinical symptoms:
  • In very young dogs (16 weeks or younger), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) is a procedure that improves coverage of the ball in the hip socket while your dog continues to develop.
  • In dogs 6-10 months of age with no OA, a triple/double pelvic osteotomy (TPO or DPO) may be recommended. In this procedure, the surgeon cuts portions of the bone to improve coverage of the ball in the socket. With advances in total hip replacement in very young dogs, however, TPO or DPO is no longer routinely performed.
  • In dogs 6 months or older, a total hip replacement (THR) is considered the gold standard treatment of hip dysplasia as well as some hip luxations (dislocations) and fractures. THR results in normal to near-normal function and a pain-free quality of life.
  • In skeletally mature dogs that have failed a conservative approach and are not a candidate for a total hip replacement, a femoral head and neck excision (FHO or FHNE) can be performed. This involves removing the entire femoral head and neck and relies on the formation of scar tissue. To ensure this scar formation occurs appropriately, formal rehabilitation therapy is REQUIRED beginning 5-7 days after surgery. While the outcome can be satisfactory, the dog’s overall athletic ability is decreased and most will retain some loss of hip extension that could affect daily activities. At Fusion Veterinary Orthopedics, we recommend a THR over an FHO in most situations.

Post-operative care

We’ll provide specific post-operative recommendations for your pet tailored to which procedure is performed. In general, your dog will need 8-12 weeks of rest after surgery. This means no running, jumping, or playing.

They will need to be taken outside on leash for bathroom breaks. Excessive climbing up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture should be avoided. When your dog is not directly supervised, they should be placed in a crate, small room, or a sectioned-off portion of the house so they can’t overdo it. Excessive activity will lead to implant breakdown, soft tissue injuries, and delayed healing.

If staples/sutures are present, they’ll be removed, or the incision evaluated, about 2 weeks after surgery. X-rays will be done at 4-6 and 8-10 weeks after surgery. At these rechecks, an orthopedic exam will also be performed to ensure everything is healing as expected.

We see faster healing, better preservation of muscle mass and range of motion, and superior outcomes in patients that undergo formal rehabilitation. That’s why we recommend physical rehabilitation beginning 2 weeks after surgery (except for FHOs, when rehabilitation should begin 5-7 days after surgery). This involves once- or twice-weekly rehab sessions along with at-home exercises. Rehabilitation also gives your dog a controlled way to remain active and expend energy during recovery.

Schedule a consultation

If you or your primary care veterinarian suspects your dog has hip dysplasia and would like us to evaluate their condition and recommend a treatment plan, please schedule a consultation by calling 301.778.7781 or request an appointment online.

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